When I was around 12 years old, my friend Donny and I were riding mini bikes and he was hit by a car and paralyzed for life. I am now 62 years old and I want to do something for spinal research and have chosen Red Bull’s Wings for Life Spinal Research Foundation. So I’m riding my electric skateboard across America to raise money for people like my friend Donny.  I have always loved action sports and have known the dangers of these sports, but have been lucky to have stayed healthy. I want to inspire the younger generations to keep up their favorite activities even into their later years while paying it forward and helping others who have not been as lucky. From the Redbull Wings for Life website: “Every donation goes 100% to spinal cord research. Red Bull bears the administrative costs of the foundation. Wings for Life finances numerous successful projects in basic research, preclinical and clinical research and thus creates knowledge of incredible value for the future.”

I will be starting my journey in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico and will be finishing at Tampa General Hospital Where my mother was born. I chose this as it keeps the destination close to my heart while raising money for spinal research. I will be traveling entirely on the Evolve GTR Carbon electric skateboard for an estimated total of 1,900 miles. Along the route I will be documenting my trip on Instagram@thegreatsk8america and Youtube. I will visit historical sites, meet with the local radio stations, and hit skateparks in every town along the way to hang out with the skaters at the park and talk with them about their goals and aspirations in life as well as how to do what they love for as long as they can to stay young at heart.

For the journey I am planning on spending around $2000 for gas (support vehicle), food, and lodging. Some of the rooms will be donated. I am hoping to raise $20,000 to support the trip of which $18,000 will go to Redbull Wings for Life.

This is just a phase one. When this journey is complete I will start planning next years electric skateboard across America where I hope to have a couple of younger riders join me and combine our fundraising power to donate even more to Redbull Wings for Life Foundation.